1997 Chevrolet Express vs. 1996 Ford Thunderbird
To start off, 1997 Chevrolet Express is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Ford Thunderbird. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Ford Thunderbird would be higher. At 7,439 cc (8 cylinders), 1997 Chevrolet Express is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Chevrolet Express (286 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (138 HP @ 3800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Chevrolet Express should accelerate faster than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Chevrolet Express weights approximately 804 kg more than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1997 Chevrolet Express (555 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 264 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Ford Thunderbird. (291 Nm @ 2400 RPM). This means 1997 Chevrolet Express will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Ford Thunderbird.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Chevrolet Express | 1996 Ford Thunderbird | |
| Make | Chevrolet | Ford |
| Model | Express | Thunderbird |
| Year Released | 1997 | 1996 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 7439 cc | 3791 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Torque | 555 Nm | 291 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 2400 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Vehicle Weight | 2424 kg | 1620 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5560 mm | 5090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 2020 mm | 1850 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2030 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 3440 mm | 2880 mm |
